I never imagined when I started this blog nearly five years ago that someday my dishes would appear in a cookbook, but if there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that life throws you the most wonderful curveballs sometimes. I’m thrilled that four (!!!!) of my recipes appear in the new Food52 Cookbook, I’m humbled to share the pages of that book with so many talented home cooks, and I’m delighted that I can call a good number of them friends.
On that high note, I’m saying goodbye to this space, at least for now. I can’t imagine a happier place to be in life than where we are right now, and I can’t thank you all enough for sharing the highs and lows, losses and celebrations with us here for the last five years. My priority right now is feeding Julian, and these days that doesn’t leave me time for much else, but I want you to know that you’ll always have a place at our (real or virtual) table.
Be well, savor life, and again, thank you.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations, Jen on baby and book. Congratulations to all three of you!
What a high note indeed! You have been such an inspiration to me that I first saw your blog – before food 52. I too have been awe-struck to see one of my recipes in “our” cookbook. Hope you will still be “around” at least on twitter. XO Liz
I absolutely have loved your blog and am will miss it terribly, but you are starting the next chapter of your life and family. I wish you the absolute best.
I will miss your blog, Jen, but I hope to keep up with you still on Flickr and Instagram. I just love the little sneak peaks into your adorable family. Your blog has always been one of my favorite food blogs out there. I’m so glad you’re ending on such a high note and I look forward to reading more of your recipes on Food52.
You will be fondly and often thought of. Best wishes to you and yours always.
Man, I’ll miss you! Last Night’s Dinner has always been a favorite and an inspiration. Of course I am so glad that your family is doing so well. Thank you!
A wonderful, special blog it has been. Congratulations and good luck on this new chapter in your life! Julian is precious. I cannot wait to pick up the book and have you autograph it!!! Big hugs from the girls and I…
Jen, I am so proud that I share a few recipes in the same cookbook with you. You have been an inspiration for the past 2 years and I hope that we meet in person some day! (plus Julian and Dietch) Cheers!
You will be much missed here, and have long been turned to for inspiration by this home cook, but I know you’re on to other wonderful, delicious things.
Best to you, and thank you. For everything.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog over the last several years, and am really happy for you and your family. You will be missed!
thanks for all your inspiration and look forward to keeping in touch.
much love to you and dietsch and sweet baby julian…
xoxoxo from mary coleman and groom
Well even though we haven’t yet met in person, I feel as if I’ve come to know you two (now three!) since being “introduced” over at food52 just about 2 years ago. So happy to have followed you here, to be in the food52 book with you, and to share in your joy through pics of Julian on twitter, flickr, etc. I will certainly miss LND, but understand how your life is more than full already right now…someday I do hope to meet you for reals
I have really enjoyed reading your blog for the past couple years. Congratulations for everything joyful that is happening in your life right now. I will miss reading this blog, but I wish you and your family the best!
So happy for you, So sad for me. Will you be leaving the blog up for us to access?
I am so glad to now call you friend. You may not have your blog, but you are forever in our community. Oh, sweet Julian, what a wonderful love affair you have entered into. Think of all the food memories he has yet to experience. You are going to be able to give him so many amazing ones.
Thanks so much, everyone!
Winnie – you can count on it
Laurie – you bet – I will absolutely keep the site up as an archive.
Congratulations on being in The Book; congratulations on having your priorities straight (though I and many others will miss you sorely); congratulations again on your beautiful baby boy and loving husband and the family you have created. Thank you for all you shared and for the pure pleasure of reading you gave me.
Buon tutto!
I hope to meet you for real also. I so enjoy your blog and will miss it but of course Julian is your priority right now. We’ll all be here when you are ready to blog again and in the meantime I look forward to seeing Julian’s cuteness on Twitter
Hugs to all three of you xox
Congratulations on the Food 52 book! What an exciting last few months for you. I’ll miss your writings here, but I’m happy that I still know where to find you online.
I’ve been following you for a good few years and I’m sad over your decision. However, I’m also happy that you’re in a place that is so full of happy that it can’t be adequately described. I may just have to get Twitter to keep up wi the comings and goings. Happy trails, Jenn and family.
Congrats, Jen, on both the book and your new life! Your voice will be missed.
I’m so happy for you guys
Best of luck with everything!
A huge congratulations to you!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog over the years, it has inspired me and changed my shopping and cooking for the better. I hope to be able to continue to use it as a resource and if you are to do something new in the future online and with food, I hope I’ll hear about it and be able to check it out!
All the very best to you and your family and Thank You.
Jen
I am sorry to see you leave Last Night’s Dinner, you are one of the first food blogs I read 5 yrs ago when you had cats and lived in Brooklyn.
You inspired me to start my site Stacey Snacks, and I thank you!
Best of luck to you and your family! I hope to see you back sometime soon!
I will pick up the Food52 book right away.
Best,
Stacey
I’m so happy for you that I don’t even mind at all if you stop writing this blog.
Keep posting pictures of that most delicious dish, Julian.
xoxo
Jennifer,
I’ve been following your blog for probably as long as you have been doing it. From your days in Brooklyn (where I still am), to your move to Rhode Island, the passing of dear cats, the birth of you beautiful baby – all the while relishing in your love for food and down to earth cooking techniques. I wish you and you family the best and have very much enjoyed following your blog all these years.
Thank you, Jennifer, for all of the wonderful recipes, thank you for leaving this site up for an archive so I can continue to share Mike’s deep dish pizza perfection and thank you most of all for acknowledging the true priority of your life right now – Julian. When parents do their best to raise a child, we all benefit.
Thank you!!! It was nice reading you
I’m with Janet — your example is powerful. And I salute you for that.
Be well — and thank you. For the good times, the joy, the great food, and the enjoyable writing. Be sure to find us when you’re back online; we’ll be delighted to see you again!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog the past few years–you’ve given me inspiration in my kitchen. Enjoy your baby. One of my favorite quotes is “The days are long, but the years are short.” They grow up so fast. Wishing your family only the best.
I will totally miss this blog and am so glad for you and your husband and the baby. Hope you stick around on twitter!
Congratulations on the Food52 book! Talk about high notes! Hoping you’ll keep posting the occasional food and baby picture on Flickr. I’ll miss you here, but I wouldn’t want to leave you any other way.
Wow! Congratulations. You must know that you are the reason I decided to devote myself to improving my home cooking skills. That was something like two years ago. I wish you happiness, health and love in your new ventures.
Jen and Mike–You’ve come full circle! From the U-Haul days that bookended your time in LIC to Brooklyn, marriage, settling into RI, Food52, mixology, the NY Times piece, 4 recipes in a cookbook and now little Julian…it’s been quite a ride. I’ll miss LND but am looking forward to what’s next!
Jen,
Just wanted to say warm hello from Canada. Love your blog posts and your delicious looking photos! Thank you! Congratulations to you and Mike for baby Julian. We’ll miss you!
Carmen
I am so sad to see you go, but I understand completely! Your blog has been my favorite to visit over the years and I always waited for a new post with bated breath. Because you didn’t post many recipes, instead beautiful pictures and shared on your weekly menus and farmers market purchases, it challenged me to think outside the box and come up with my own takes.
I found out I was pregnant in August and have been completely unable to look at food blogs, let alone cook, until now, thank you morning sickness (hyperemesis actually). But at 20 weeks, I’m ready to take on the challenge of a new year, full of new food possibilities.
Thank you for allowing us all a window into your journey and a seat at your table.
Blessings,
L